Metallic coating composition

ABSTRACT

The invention provides: a metallic coating composition and a method for forming the coating film. The metallic coating composition includes: a binder component containing a phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A), a polyisocyanate compound (B), and a cellulose resin (C); and a vapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D), wherein the vapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D) is present in an amount of 10 to 95 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the total solids content of the binder component, and wherein the phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A) is a copolymer resin of a monomer mixture consisting of 3 to 48 mass % of a phosphate group-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a1), 6 to 45 mass % of a hydroxy-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a2), and 10 to 91 mass % of other polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a3), based on the total amount of all of the monomers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.2015-203458 filed on Oct. 15, 2015, which is incorporated by referencein its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a metallic coating composition and amethod for forming a coating film.

BACKGROUND ART

Aluminium substrates are widely used in automobile parts, such asaluminum wheels. A metallic aluminum wheel can be obtained by coating anoptionally treated aluminum substrate with a base coating compositionmultiple times, and then further coating the substrate with a metalliccoating composition containing a vapor-deposition aluminum pigment.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a metallic coatingcomposition comprising an effect pigment obtained by crushing avapor-deposition metal film into metal pieces, and a phosphategroup-containing compound. Patent Literature 1 also discloses a methodfor forming a metallic coating film comprising forming an undercoatinglayer on a substrate, applying the metallic coating composition to forma metallic coating film layer, and further forming a clear coating filmon the metallic coating film layer. However, simply increasing thealuminum pigment content in view of the disclosure of Patent Literature1 may impair the coating composition stability or adhesion.

Patent Literature 2 discloses a metallic coating composition comprisinga binder resin and metal flakes, wherein the binder resin is present inan amount of 50 to 700 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the metalflakes. The metallic coating composition is capable of forming a smoothand flat metallic coating film with excellent appearance because of thewell-arranged metal flakes providing excellent metallic appearance, andeven forming the top coating layer on the metallic coating film does notdisturb the arrangement of the metal flakes. However, the coatingcomposition disclosed in Patent Literature 2 may be insufficient inadhesion, weatherability, and specular gloss.

Patent Literature 3 discloses a metallic coating composition with asolids content of 1 to 10% obtained by adjusting a coating compositioncontaining an acrylic resin, a melamine resin, an effect material, and acellulose acetate butyrate resin with an ester-based solvent and/or aketone-based solvent. However, increasing the effect material content inthe coating composition disclosed in Patent Literature 3 to achievespecular gloss may impair at least any of coating composition stability,finished appearance, and adhesion.

Patent Literature 4 discloses a metallic coating composition containingan acrylic resin (a), a curing agent (b), an effect pigment obtained bycrushing a vapor-deposition metal film into metal flakes (c), and asolvent (d). However, increasing the effect material content in thecoating composition disclosed in Patent Literature 4 to achieve speculargloss may impair any of coating composition stability and adhesion.

Patent Literature 5 discloses a coating composition containing a resin,a vapor-deposition metal foil, and a solvent wherein thevapor-deposition metal foil is present in an amount of 100 parts byweight or more to 900 parts by weight or less, per 100 parts by weightof the resin. However, the coating composition disclosed in PatentLiterature 5 may be unsatisfactory in at least any of finishedappearance, adhesion, and weatherability.

Against such a background, there has been a demand for a metalliccoating composition excellent in coating composition stability andcapable of forming a coating film excellent in finished appearance,adhesion, weatherability, and specular gloss.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: JP2000-178478A-   Patent Literature 2: JP2004-339275A-   Patent Literature 3: JP2005-120249A-   Patent Literature 4: JP2006-169416A-   Patent Literature 5: JP2012-77198A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a metallic coatingcomposition excellent in coating composition stability and capable offorming a coating film excellent in finished appearance, adhesion,weatherability, and specular gloss.

Solution to Problem

The inventors conducted extensive research, and found that the objectcan be achieved by a metallic coating composition comprising a phosphategroup-containing acrylic resin (A), a polyisocyanate compound (B), acellulose resin (C), and a vapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D). Theinventors then completed the present invention.

Specifically, the present invention includes the following embodiments.

Item 1. A metallic coating composition comprising:

a binder component comprising

-   -   a phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A),    -   a polyisocyanate compound (B), and    -   a cellulose resin (C); and

a vapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D),

the vapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D) being present in an amount of10 to 95 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the total solids contentof the binder component, and

the phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A) being a copolymer resinof a monomer mixture consisting of 3 to 48 mass % of a phosphategroup-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a1), 6 to 45 mass %of a hydroxy-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a2), and 10to 91 mass % of other polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a3), based onthe total amount of all of the monomers.

Item 2. The metallic coating composition according to item 1,

wherein the phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A) is present inan amount of 50 to 90 parts by mass,

the polyisocyanate compound (B) is present in an amount of 5 to 40 partsby mass, and

the cellulose resin (C) is present in an amount of 1 to 20 parts bymass, per 100 parts by mass of the total solids content of the bindercomponent.

Item 3. The metallic coating composition according to item 1 or 2,comprising an ultraviolet absorber (E) in an amount of 0.1 to 10 partsby mass per 100 parts by mass of the total solids content of the bindercomponent.

Item 4. The metallic coating composition according to any one of items 1to 3, wherein the solids content of the metallic coating composition is0.1 to 2 mass %.

Item 5. A method for forming a coating film comprising:

forming a base coating film on an aluminum substrate;

forming a metallic coating film of the metallic coating compositionaccording to any one of items 1 to 4 on the base coating film; and

forming at least one layer of a clear coating film on the metalliccoating film.

Item 6. An aluminum wheel obtained by the method for forming a coatingfilm according to item 5.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The metallic coating composition according to the present invention isexcellent in coating composition stability and is capable of forming acoating film excellent in finished appearance, adhesion, weatherability,and specular gloss. The composition can also provide a metallic aluminumwheel with the specular gloss at 60° C. being 200 or more.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a metallic coating compositioncomprising: a binder component comprising a phosphate group-containingacrylic resin (A), a polyisocyanate compound (B), and a cellulose resin(C); and a vapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D), the vapor-depositionaluminum pigment (D) being present in an amount of 10 to 95 parts bymass per 100 parts by mass of the total solids content of the bindercomponent and the phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A) being acopolymer resin of a monomer mixture consisting of 3 to 48 mass % of aphosphate group-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a1), 6 to45 mass % of a hydroxy-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer(a2), and 10 to 91 mass % of other polymerizable unsaturated monomer(a3), based on the total amount of all of the monomers.

The invention also relates to a coated article comprising, on analuminum wheel, a base coating film, a coating film formed of themetallic coating composition, and a clear coating film.

In this application, a metallic coating composition refers to a coatingcomposition that can form a metallic coating film. A metallic coatingfilm refers to a coating film whose appearance (for example, hue,chroma, brightness or the like) differs depending on the observationangle, whereas a solid coating film is a coating film whose appearancedoes not differ depending on the observation angle.

Metallic Coating Composition

Phosphate Group-Containing Acrylic Resin (A)

The phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A) is a copolymer resin ofa monomer mixture consisting of a phosphate group-containingpolymerizable unsaturated monomer (a1), a hydroxy-containingpolymerizable unsaturated monomer (a2), and other polymerizableunsaturated monomer (a3).

The “polymerizable unsaturated monomer” refers to a monomer compoundcontaining at least one radically polymerizable unsaturated group(polymerizable unsaturated group). Examples of the polymerizableunsaturated group include acryloyl group, methacryloyl group, vinylgroup, allyl group, propenyl group, isopropenyl group, maleimide group,and vinyl ether group.

Phosphate group-containing acrylic resins (A) can be used singly, or ina combination of two or more.

Phosphate Group-Containing Polymerizable Unsaturated Monomer (a1)

The phosphate group-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a1)refers to a polymerizable unsaturated monomer containing at least onephosphate group (e.g., —PO₄H₂ or —HPO₄—) per molecule. The phosphategroup-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a1) may be simplyreferred to as “monomer (a1)” below.

Specific examples of the monomer (a1) include polymerizable unsaturatedmonomers, such as 2-acryloyloxyethyl acid phosphate, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl acid phosphate, 2-acryloyloxypropyl acid phosphate, and2-methacryloyl oxypropyl acid phosphate; polymerizable unsaturatedmonomers obtained by addition of glycidyl (meth)acrylate to a monoalkylphosphate (e.g., butyl phosphate, decyl phosphate, lauryl phosphate, andstearyl phosphate); polymerizable unsaturated monomers obtained byaddition of glycidyl (meth)acrylate to benzyl phosphate; andpolymerizable unsaturated monomers obtained, for example, by performingring-opening addition of a cyclic ester to the hydroxy group of ahydroxy-containing (meth)acrylate, and reacting the result withphosphorus pentoxide or phosphorus oxychloride (a11). These monomers(a1) can be used singly, or in a combination of two or more. It ispreferable to contain the polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a11) as thepolymerizable unsaturated monomer (a1), from the standpoint ofimprovement in adhesion or weatherability of the coating film.

Examples of the hydroxy-containing (meth)acrylate include hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, and hydroxybutyl(meth)acrylate.

Examples of the cyclic ester include β-propiolactone, dimethylpropiolactone, γ-butyrolactone, β-valerolactone, δ-valerolactone,γ-caprolactone, δ-caprolactone, ε-caprolactone, δ-caprolactone,ε-caprolactone, γ-caprylolactone, and δ-laurolactone, withε-caprolactone being preferable.

Examples of the polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a11) include thepolymerizable unsaturated monomer represented by the following formula

wherein R¹ represents hydrogen or methyl,X represents alkylene having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, andM represents an integer of 2 to 6.

X represents alkylene having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and preferably about1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Alkylene includes methylene, ethylene, propylene, and butylene.

Hydroxy-Containing Polymerizable Unsaturated Monomer (a2)

The hydroxy-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a2) refers toa polymerizable unsaturated monomer containing at least one hydroxygroup per molecule. The hydroxy-containing polymerizable unsaturatedmonomer (a2) may be simply referred to as “monomer (a2)” below.

Specific examples of the monomer (a2) include polymerizable unsaturatedmonomers, such as 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, hydroxypropyl(meth)acrylate, 2,3-dihydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, and 4-hydroxybutyl(meth)acrylate; monoester compounds of polyhydric alcohols with acrylicacid or methacrylic acid, such as polyethylene glycolmono(meth)acrylate; and compounds obtained by ring-opening addition ofε-caprolactone to monoesters of polyhydric alcohols with acrylic acid ormethacrylic acid, such as ε-caprolactone modified vinyl monomer obtainedby ring-opening addition of ε-caprolactone to 2-hydroxyethyl(meth)acrylate (e.g., Placcel FA-1, Placcel FA-2D, Placcel FA-3, PlaccelFA-4, Placcel FA-5, Placcel FM-1, Placcel FM-2D, Placcel FM-3, PlaccelFM-4, and Placcel FM-5; trade names, all produced by DaicelCorporation).

Of these, 4-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycolmono(meth)acrylate, and compounds obtained by ring-opening addition ofε-caprolactone to monoesters of polyhydric alcohols with acrylic acid ormethacrylic acid are preferable from the standpoint of reactivity. Thesemonomers (a2) can be used singly, or in a combination of two or more.

Other Polymerizable Unsaturated Monomer (a3)

The other polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a3) refers to monomersother than the phosphate group-containing polymerizable unsaturatedmonomer (a1) and the hydroxy-containing polymerizable unsaturatedmonomer (a2). The other polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a3) may bereferred to as “monomer (a3)” below.

Examples of the other polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a3) includeacrylic acid ester compounds and methacrylic acid ester compounds thatboth contain one or more hydrocarbon groups that may optionally containone or more ring structure having 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as methyl(meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, n-butyl(meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, s-butyl (meth)acrylate, t-butyl(meth)acrylate, n-octyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate,decyl (meth)acrylate, undecyl (meth)acrylate, dodecyl (meth)acrylate,tridecyl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, isostearyl(meth)acrylate (Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.), cyclohexyl(meth)acrylate, isobornyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentanyl(meth)acrylate, dicyclopentenyl (meth)acrylate, and benzyl(meth)acrylate; aromatic ring-containing vinyl compounds, such asstyrene, vinyltoluene, and α-methyl styrene; vinyl ester compounds, suchas vinyl propionate and vinyl acetate; nitrile compounds, such asacrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile; epoxy group-containing vinylcompounds, such as glycidyl (meth) acrylate, 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl(meth) acrylate, vinylcyclohexene monoepoxide, N-glycidyl acrylamide,and allyl glycidyl ether; carboxy-containing vinyl compounds, such asacrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and itaconicacid; acid anhydride group-containing vinyl compounds, such as maleicanhydride, itaconic anhydride, and himic anhydride; aminogroup-containing aminoalkyl (meth)acrylate, such asN,N-dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylate, N-t-butyl aminoethyl(meth)acrylate, and N,N-dimethylamino butyl (meth)acrylate; quaternaryammonium base-containing monomers, such as methacryloyloxy ethyltrimethylammonium chloride; and sulfonic group-containing polymerizableunsaturated monomers, such as 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonicacid. These other polymerizable unsaturated monomers (a3) can be usedsingly, or in a combination of two or more.

The phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A) can be obtained bypolymerizing a monomer mixture consisting of the monomer (a1), themonomer (a2), and the monomer (a3), for example, by solutionpolymerization or mass-suspension-two-step polymerization in which aftermass polymerization, suspension polymerization is performed.

In particular, solution polymerization is preferable to obtain thephosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A). Examples of solutionpolymerization include a method comprising dissolving or dispersing themonomer mixture in an organic solvent, and heating the solution orsuspension in the presence of a radical polymerization initiatortypically at a temperature of about 80° C. to 200° C. with stirring. Areaction time of typically about 1 to 10 hours is suitable.

Examples of the radical polymerization initiator include azopolymerization initiators, such as 2,2′-azobis isobutyronitrile,azobis-2-methylbutyronitrile, and azobis divaleronitrile; and organicperoxide polymerization initiators, such as t-butylperoxy isobutyrate,t-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate, t-amylperoxy-3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate,t-butylperoxyisopropylcarbonate,2,2-bis(4,4-di-t-butylperoxycyclohexyl)propane, di-t-butyl peroxide, anddi-t-amyl peroxide.

Examples of organic solvents include hydrocarbon solvents, such astoluene, xylene, and mineral spirits; ester solvents, such as ethylacetate, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, ethylene glycol monomethylether acetate, and butyl carbitol acetate; ketone solvents, such asmethyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and diisobutyl ketone;alcohol solvents, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, 1-butanol,2-butanol, isobutanol, 1-hexanol, 1-octanol, 2-octanol, 2-ethylhexanol,1-decanol, benzyl alcohol, diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethylether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol mono2-ethylhexyl ether, propylene glycol mono n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycol mono n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol mono n-butyl ether,propylene glycol mono 2-ethylhexyl ether, and propylene glycolmonophenyl ether; ether solvents, such as ethylbutyl ether, dibutylether, diisobutyl ether, 1,4-dioxane, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether,diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol dimethyl ether, anddipropylene glycol dimethyl ether; amide solvents, such asN,N-dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, andN,N-dimethyl-β-methoxy propionamide; and aromatic petroleum solvents,such as Swasol 310, Swasol 1000, and Swasol 1500 (Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd.).These organic solvents can be used singly, or in a combination of two ormore.

In the production of the phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A),it is preferable from the standpoint of improvement in finishedappearance, adhesion, and specular gloss that the proportion of themonomer (a1) is 3 to 48 mass %, and preferably 10 to 45 mass %, theproportion of the monomer (a2) is 6 to 45 mass %, and preferably 9 to 40mass %, and the proportion of the monomer (a3) is 10 to 91 mass %, andpreferably 15 to 81 mass %, all based on the total amount of all of themonomers.

It is preferred that the thus-obtained phosphate group-containingacrylic resin (A) has a weight average molecular weight within the rangeof 3,000 to 100,000, and preferably 7,000 to 30,000, a hydroxy valuewithin the range of 10 to 100 mg KOH/g, and preferably 25 to 80 mgKOH/g, and an acid value within the range of 1 to 200 mg KOH/g, andpreferably 3 to 150 mg KOH/g.

In this specification, the weight average molecular weight is the valuecalculated from a chromatogram measured by gel permeation chromatographybased on the molecular weight of standard polystyrene in accordance withthe procedure described in JIS K 0124-83. An HLC8120GPC apparatus(produced by Tosoh Corporation) was used for the gel permeationchromatography. The gel permeation chromatography was performed withfour columns “TSKgel G-4000HXL,” “TSKgel G-3000HXL,” “TSKgel G-2500HXL,”and “TSKgel G-2000HXL” (all produced by Tosoh Corporation) under thefollowing conditions: mobile phase tetrahydrofuran; measurementtemperature 40° C.; flow rate 1 ml/min; and detector RI.

In this specification, “(meth)acrylate” refers to “acrylate ormethacrylate.”

Polyisocyanate Compound (B)

The polyisocyanate compound (B) is a compound containing two or moreisocyanate groups per molecule. Either blocked polyisocyanate whoseisocyanate group is blocked with a blocking agent or polyisocyanatewhose isocyanate group is not blocked with a blocking agent may be used.

Examples of compounds containing two or more isocyanate groups permolecule include aromatic diisocyanates, such as tolylene diisocyanate,diphenylmethane diisocyanate, xylylene diisocyanate, and naphthalenediisocyanate; aliphatic diisocyanates, such as tetramethylenediisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate, dimer acid diisocyanate, andlysine diisocyanate; alicyclic diisocyanates, such as methylenebis(cyclohexylisocyanate), isophorone diisocyanate, methylcyclohexanediisocyanate, cyclohexane diisocyanate, and cyclopentane diisocyanate;biuret adducts of the polyisocyanates, and isocyanurate ring adducts;and free isocyanate group-containing prepolymers obtained by reactingthese polyisocyanates with a low-molecular-weight orhigh-molecular-weight polyol compound (e.g., acrylic polyol, polyesterpolyol, and polyether polyol) in the presence of excess isocyanategroups.

Also usable are those obtained by blocking free isocyanate groups ofthese polyisocyanate compounds with a blocking agent, such as a phenolcompound, an oxime compound, an active methylene compound, a lactamcompound, an alcohol compound, a mercaptan compound, an acid amidcompound, an imide compound, an amine compound, an imidazole compound, aurea compound, a carbamic acid compound, and an imine compound.

Polyisocyanate compounds (B) can be used singly, or in a combination oftwo or more.

Cellulose Resin (C)

Examples of the cellulose resin (C) include nitro cellulose, celluloseacetate butyrate, cellulose acetate, and cellulose acetate propionate.Of these, cellulose acetate butyrate is preferable.

Cellulose acetate butyrate can be obtained by further butyl-esterifyingpartially acetylated cellulose. Commercially available products include“CAB-381-0.5,” “CAB-381-0.1,” “CAB-381-2.0,” “CAB-551-0.2,”“CAB-551-0.01,” “CAB-553-0.4,” “CAB-531-1,” “CAB-500-5,” “CAB-321-0.1,”“Solus2100,” and “Solus2300” (trade names, all produced by EastmanChemical Company, US). These can be used singly, or in a combination oftwo or more.

The cellulose resin (C) has a weight average molecular weight of 25,000to 100,000, preferably 40,000 to 85,000, and more preferably 60,000 to80,000.

Cellulose resins (C) can be used singly, or in a combination of two ormore.

From the standpoint of improvement in coating composition stability aswell as finished appearance, adhesion, and weatherability of theobtained coating film, it is preferred that in the coating compositionof the present invention, the proportion of the phosphategroup-containing acrylic resin (A) is 50 to 90 parts by mass, andpreferably 55 to 75 parts by mass; the proportion of the polyisocyanatecompound (B) is 5 to 40 parts by mass, and preferably 8 to 35 parts bymass; and the proportion of the cellulose resin (C) is 1 to 20 parts bymass, and preferably 5 to 17 parts by mass, all based on the totalsolids content by mass of the binder component containing the phosphategroup-containing acrylic resin (A), the polyisocyanate compound (B), andthe cellulose resin (C).

Vapor-Deposition Aluminum Pigment (D)

The vapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D) is a pigment obtained byshredding a vapor-deposited aluminum film into flakes. The method forproducing the vapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D) is not limited. Thepigment can be produced using, for example, a plastic film, such asoriented polypropylene, crystalline polypropylene, and polyethyleneterephthalate, as a base film, by applying a remover on the film, anddepositing aluminum on the applied remover; after the deposition ofaluminum, for example, a top coating agent is applied to the surface ofthe deposited aluminum to prevent oxidation of the deposited aluminum.Then, the deposited aluminum film is removed from the base film, andshredded into flaky aluminum, which is then classified to obtain thepigment.

Vapor-deposition aluminum pigments (D) can be used singly, or in acombination of two or more.

It is preferred from the standpoint of coating composition stability andfinished appearance that this vapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D)typically has a mean particle size of about 1 to 50 μm, preferably about5 to 20 μm, and a thickness of 0.01 μm to 0.05 μm, particularly 0.02 μmto 0.04 μm. In this specification, the mean particle size is measuredwith UPA-EX250 (trade name, Nikkiso Co., Ltd., a particle sizedistribution analyzer using dynamic light scattering).

Examples of commercially available products of the vapor-depositionaluminum pigment (D) include Metasheen 71-0010 (BASF A.G., trade name),Metalure L55700 (Eckart, trade name), and Starbrite 2100-EAC(Silverline, trade name).

It is preferred from the standpoint of improvement in finishedappearance, adhesion, and weatherability that the proportion of thevapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D) is 10 to 95 parts by mass, andpreferably 65 to 92 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the totalsolids content of the binder component containing the phosphategroup-containing acrylic resin (A), the polyisocyanate compound (B), andthe cellulose resin (C).

Ultraviolet Absorber (E)

The metallic coating composition according to the present invention mayoptionally comprise an ultraviolet absorber (E). A known ultravioletabsorber can be used as the ultraviolet absorber (E); for example, abenzotriazole absorber, a triazine absorber, a salicylic acid derivativeabsorber, and a benzophenone absorber can be used.

Specific examples of the benzotriazole absorber include2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-t-butylphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-3′,5′-di-t-butylphenyl)benzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-3′-t-butyl-5′-methylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-3′,5′-di-t-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-3′,5′-di-t-amyl phenyl)benzotriazole,2-(2′-hydroxy-4′-octoxy phenyl)benzotriazole, and2-{2′-hydroxy-3′-(3″,4″,5″,6″-tetrahydrophthalimidomethyl)-5′-methylphenyl}benzotriazole.

Specific examples of the triazine absorber include2,4-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-6-(2-hydroxy-4-isooctyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-thoriazine,2-[4((2-hydroxy-3-dodecyloxypropyl)-oxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-thoriazine,2-[4-((2-hydroxy-3-tridecyloxypropyl)-oxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-thoriazine,and 2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine.Specific examples of the salicylic acid derivative absorber includephenyl salicylate, p-octylphenyl salicylate, and 4-tert-butyl phenylsalicylate.

Specific examples of the benzophenone absorber include4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone,2,2′-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone,2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-2′-carboxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-sulfobenzophenone trihydrate, 2,2′-dihydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxybenzophenone,2-hydroxy-4-octoxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-octadecyloxybenzophenone,sodium 2,2′-dihydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxy-5-sulfobenzophenone,2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzophenone, 4-dodecyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone,5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzophenone, resorcinol monobenzoate, 2,4-dibenzoylresorcinol, 4,6-dibenzoyl resorcinol, and hydroxydodecylbenzophenone. Asan ultraviolet absorber, known polymer ultraviolet absorbers, such as2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methacryloyloxy-ethyl phenyl)-2H-benzotriazole and2,2′-dihydroxy-4(3-metacryloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)benzophenone, are alsousable.

Examples of commercially available products of the ultraviolet absorber(E) include Tinuvin 900, Tinuvin 928, Tinuvin 348-2, Tinuvin 479,Tinuvin 405, Tinuvin 292 (BASF A.G., trade names, Tinuvin (Trademark)),Ruva-93 (Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name), and Hostavin 3206HP LIQ(Du Pont, trade name).

Ultraviolet absorbers (E) can be used singly, or in a combination of twoor more.

It is preferred that the amount of the optionally added ultravioletabsorber (E) is 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, preferably 0.3 to 5 parts bymass, per 100 parts by mass of the solids content of the bindercomponent, if the ultraviolet absorber (E) is added.

Other Components

The metallic coating composition according to the present invention mayoptionally comprise other pigments, catalysts, other pigmentdispersants, other resins (e.g., acrylic resin and polyester resin),dyes, plasticizers, reactive diluents, antisettling agents, lightstabilizers, antioxidants, surface control agents, surfactants, NAD,rheology control agents, thickeners, antifoamers, lubricants,crosslinked polymer particles (microgel), and organic solvents singly,or in a combination of two or more.

Examples of other pigments include color pigments, such as titaniumwhite and carbon black; extender pigments, such as clay, talc, baryta,and kaolin; anticorrosive pigments, such as aluminum dihydrogentripolyphosphate and aluminum phosphomolybdate; and bismuth compounds,such as bismuth oxide, bismuth hydroxide, and bismuth lactate.

Examples of catalysts include organic tin compounds, such as dibutyl tinoxide and dioctyl tin oxide; and tin compounds, such as aliphatic oraromatic carboxylic acid salts including dibutyltin dilaurate,dioctyltin dilaurate, dibutyltin diacetate, dioctyltin dibenzoate, anddibutyltin dibenzoate.

Examples of commercially available products of rheology control agentsinclude amide waxes, such as Disparlon 6900 (Kusumoto Chemicals, Ltd.)and Thixol W-300 (Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd.); waxes such aspolyethylene waxes including Disparlon 4200 (Kusumoto Chemicals, Ltd.);cellulose-based rheology control agents, such as CAB (cellulose acetatebutyrate, Eastman Chemical Products, Inc.), HEC (hydroxyethylcellulose), hydrophobized HEC, and CMC (carboxy methylcellulose);urethane urea-based rheology control agents, such as BYK-410, BYK-411,BYK-420, and BYK-425 (all produced by BYK-Chemie); anionic rheologycontrol agents, such as Flownon SDR-80 (Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd.);polyolefin-based rheology control agents, such as Flownon SA-345HF(Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd.); and higher fatty acid amide rheologycontrol agents, such as Flownon HR-4AF (Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd.).Commercially available products of reactive diluents include Placcel205, Placcel 303, and Placcel 305 (all produced by Daicel Corporation,trade names).

In a preferable embodiment of the present invention, the metalliccoating composition is an organic solvent based coating composition.

The metallic coating composition according to the present invention canbe obtained by mixing the phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A),the polyisocyanate compound (B), the cellulose resin (C), and thevapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D), optionally with the ultravioletabsorber (E) and other components, and diluting the mixture with anorganic solvent.

In particular, to obtain a coating film excellent in finished appearanceand specular gloss, particularly to obtain a metallic coating film withthe specular gloss at 60° C. being 200 or more, it is preferred that atthe time point at which the metallic coating composition according tothe present invention is used for coating, the composition has a solidscontent of 0.1 to 2 mass %, preferably 0.2 to 1.8 mass %, and morepreferably 0.3 to 1.6 mass %.

The metallic coating composition according to the present invention issuitably applied to metal substrates, specifically aluminum substratesof automobile parts, building materials, etc., and particularly toaluminum wheels. From the standpoint of finished appearance andadhesion, the aluminum wheels are preferably those that are formed froman alloy containing aluminum as the major component, and magnesium,silicon, and other components; and that are surface-treated, forexample, by chromate treatment (e.g., chromic chromate and chromicphosphate) or chromium-free treatment (e.g., zirconium phosphate andzirconium oxide).

Method for Forming a Coating Film

The method for forming a coating film according to the present inventionincludes:

Step (1) of forming a base coating film on an aluminum substrate;

Step (2) of applying the metallic coating composition of the presentinvention to form an uncured coating film; and

Step (3) of forming at least one layer of a clear coating film on theuncured coating film of the metallic coating composition. The followingdescribes the method in detail.

Step (1): In this step, a base coating composition, such as an acrylicresin coating composition, is applied to an aluminum substrate, andbaked dry at a temperature of 70 to 180° C., preferably 110 to 150° C.,for about 1 to 60 minutes, preferably about 3 to 30 minutes, to form abase coating film. The base coating composition can be of any color;black-based base coating compositions are particularly preferable fromthe standpoint of improvement in finished appearance. The base film hasa thickness of 5 to 50 μm, and preferably 10 to 40 μm, on a dry filmbasis.Step (2): In this step, the metallic coating composition of the presentinvention is applied. The coating film has a thickness of 0.1 to 1.0 μm,and preferably 0.1 to 0.5 μm, on a dry film basis. It is preferred thatafter the application of the metallic coating composition, the coatingfilm is typically allowed to stand at room temperature for about 10seconds to 10 minutes, and then a clear coating composition is appliedthereon.Step (3): In this step, a clear coating composition is applied onto thecoating film of the metallic coating composition to form at least onelayer of the clear coating film. Acrylic resin coating compositions aresuitable for use as the clear coating composition. A specific example isa thermosetting coating composition obtained by dissolving or dispersingan acrylic resin, a crosslinking agent, and other components in anorganic solvent.

The clear coating film is dried at a temperature of 100 to 180° C.,preferably 110 to 150° C., for about 5 to 60 minutes, preferably about10 to 40 minutes. It is preferred that the clear coating film has athickness of 5 to 50 μm, and preferably 15 to 40 μm for each layer, on acured film basis.

Then, coated aluminum products are obtained.

The present invention encompasses aluminum substrates, such as aluminumwheels, obtained by this method for forming a coating film. Specificexamples include aluminum products, such as coated aluminum wheels thathave a base coating film on an aluminum substrate (aluminum wheel), ametallic coating film of the metallic coating composition on the basecoating film, and at least one layer of a clear coating film on themetallic coating film.

EXAMPLES

The following describes the present invention in more detail withreference to Production Examples, Examples, and Comparative Examples.However, the present invention is not limited to these Examples. In thefollowing, “parts” and “%” respectively indicate “parts by mass” and“mass %”

Production Example 1: Production of Phosphate Group-Containing Monomer A(Material in Process)

358 parts of Placcel FM-2D (*1) was added to a reactor equipped with astirrer, a thermometer, a reflux condenser, etc. With dry air bubblingin the reaction mixture, 63.9 parts of phosphorus pentoxide was addedthereto bit by bit at 50 to 60° C. After the total amount of thephosphorus pentoxide was added, the mixture was aged at 60° C. for 5hours, and 9.0 parts of deionized water was added thereto, followed byfurther aging at 80° C. for 5 hours, thereby obtaining phosphategroup-containing monomer A.

(*1) Placcel FM-2D: Daicel Corporation, trade name, a monomer obtainedby addition of 2 moles of ε-caprolactone to 1 mole of 2-hydroxy ethylmethacrylate

Production of Phosphate Group-Containing Acrylic Resin (A) ProductionExample 2: Production of Copolymer Resin No. 1 Solution

120 parts of dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether was added to a reactorequipped with a thermometer, a thermostat, a stirrer, a refluxcondenser, a nitrogen inlet tube, and a dropping funnel, and heated to110° C. With the same temperature being maintained, the followingmonomer mixture was added dropwise over 4 hours. After completion of thedropwise addition, the mixture was aged with stirring for 1 hour.

Subsequently, a polymerization initiator solution consisting of 1 partof t-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexanoate and 30 parts of dipropylene glycoldimethyl ether was added dropwise over 1 hour. After completion of thedropwise addition, the mixture was aged with stirring for 1 hour,thereby obtaining copolymer resin No. 1 solution with a solids contentof 45 mass %. The obtained copolymer resin No. 1 had a weight averagemolecular weight of 15,000, a hydroxy value of 30 mg KOH/g, and an acidvalue of 16 mg KOH/g.

Monomer Mixture Light Ester P-1M (*2) 3 parts 2-Hydroxy ethylmethacrylate 10 parts Placcel FM-3X (*3) 25 parts n-Butyl acrylate 10parts Lauryl methacrylate 10 parts Dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate 1part Styrene 41 parts 2,2′-Azobisisobutyronitrile 5 parts.

Production Examples 3 to 11: Production Examples of Copolymer Resin Nos.2 to 10 Solutions

The procedure of Production Example 2 was repeated except that themonomer mixture was replaced with those shown in Table 1 below, therebyobtaining copolymer resin Nos. 2 to 10 solutions. The numerical valuesof the formulations shown in Table 1 indicate parts by mass on a solidscontent basis.

TABLE 1 Production Examples 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Copolymer ResinSolution No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Formu- Phosphate Light Ester P-1M (*2)3 5 12 30 0.5 1 50 lation Group- Phosphate Group- 40 40 ContainingContainingMonomer Polymerizable A Obtained in Unsaturated ProductionExample 1 Monomer (a1) Hydroxy- 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate 20 10 15 10 10Containing 2-Hydroxyethyl 10 17 Polymerizable Methacrylate UnsaturatedPlaccel FM-2D (*1) 10 Monomer Placel FM-3 (*3) 25 10 10 15 (a2)4-Hydroxybutyl Acrylate 20 20 20 Other Acrylic Acid 0.5 PolymerizableStyrene 41 35.5 30 20 35 30 30 41.6 Unsaturated Methyl Methacrylate 2043.5 42 Monomer n-Butyl Acrylate 10 9 15 10 5 6.9 (a3) n-ButylMethacrylate 15 10 19 Lauryl Methacrylate 10 20 20 Isostearyl Acrylate(*4) 10 18 20 Cyclohexyl Methacrylate 10 10 Dimethylaminoethyl 1 0.5 3 3Methacrylate Methacryloyloxy Ethyl 2 Ammonium Chloride Polymerizationt-Butylperoxy-2- 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Initiator ethylhexanoate ResinCharacteristic Weight Average 15,000 20,000 18,000 15,000 15,000 18,00013,000 14,000 15,000 16,000 Values Molecular Hydroxy Value 30 96 77 6098 61 77 77 60 95 Acid Value 16 26 62 140 69 98 3 5 122 4 The values inthe formulations are indicated on a solids content basis.(*2) Light Ester P-1M: Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name,phosphate group-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer, which is2-methacryloyloxy ethyl acid phosphate.(*3) Placcel FM-3: Daicel Corporation, trade name, a monomer obtained byaddition of 3 moles of ε-caprolactone to 1 mole of 2-hydroxy ethylmethacrylate.(*4) Isostearyl acrylate: Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd., tradename, long-chain branched alkyl acrylate

Production of Metallic Coating Composition Example 1: Production ofMetallic Coating Composition No. 1

In accordance with steps 1 and 2 described below, metallic coatingcomposition No. 1 was obtained.

Step 1: 5 parts of copolymer resin No. 4 solution (solids content)obtained in Production Example 5, 90 parts of Metasheen 71-0010 (*16)(solids content), and 95 parts of Swasol 1000 were mixed, and dispersedfor 30 minutes using a paint shaker, thereby obtaining pigmentdispersion paste No. 1 with a solids content of 50%.Step 2: 95 parts of pigment dispersion paste No. 1 obtained in Step 1(solids content), 60 parts of copolymer resin No. 1 solution obtained inProduction Example 2 (solids content), 25 parts of Duranate MF-K60X (*6)(solids content), and 10 parts of CAB-381-20 (*9) (solids content) werehomogeneously mixed, and Swasol 1000 was added thereto to adjust thesolids content, thereby obtaining metallic coating composition No. 1with a coating composition solids content of 0.8 mass %.

Examples 2 to 15: Production of Metallic Coating Compositions Nos. 2 to15

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated except that the formulationsshown in Table 2 below were applied, thereby obtaining metallic coatingcompositions Nos. 2 to 30.

TABLE 2 Examples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Metallic CoatingComposition No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Resin PhosphateCopolymer 60 Formu- Group- Resin No. 1 lation Containing Copolymer 60Acrylic Resin No. 2 Resin (A) Copolymer 60 Resin No. 3 Copolymer 60Resin No. 4 Copolymer 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 Resin No. 5Copolymer 60 Resin No. 6 Polyiso- Duranate MF- 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 2525 25 25 25 25 25 cyanate K60X (*6) Compound Desmodur BL- 25 (B) 3175(*7) Melamine Cymel 303 (*8) Resin Cellulose CAB-381-20 (*9) 10 10 10 1010 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Resin CAP-482-20 (*10) 10 (C) CAB-551-0.2 10(*11) Nitro Cellulose 10 DHX30-50 (*12) Ultraviolet Hostavin 3206HPAbsorber (E) LIQ (*13) Tinuvin 292 (*14) Light Tinuvin 123 (*15)Stabilizer Pigment Phosphate Copolymer 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5Paste Group- Resin No. 4 Formu- Containing Copolymer lation AcrylicResin No. 5 Resin (A) Copolymer Resin No. 6 Vapor- Metasheen 90 90 90 9090 90 90 90 90 15 40 70 90 Deposition 71-0010 (*16) Aluminum Metalure 90Pigment (D) L55700 (*17) Starbrite 2100- 90 EAC (*18) Aluminum 6360NS(*19) Pigment MS650 Moonlight- Silver (*20) Swasol 1000 95 95 95 95 9595 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 Solids Content of Metallic Coating 0.8 0.80.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Composition (%)Performance Coating S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S Composition Stability(*21) Finished S S S S S S S S S S S A A S S Appearance (*22) Adhesion(After A A A A S S A S A S S S S S S immersion in water) (*23)Weatherability A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A (*24) Specular Gloss at S SS S S S S S S S S A A A S 60° C. (*25) The values in the formulationsare indicated on a solids content basis.

Example 16: Production of Metallic Coating Composition No. 16

In accordance with steps 1 and 2 described below, metallic coatingcomposition No. 16 was obtained.

Step 1: 5 parts of copolymer resin No. 4 solution obtained in ProductionExample 5 (solids content), 90 parts of Metasheen 71-0010 (*16) (solidscontent), and 95 parts of Swasol 1000 were mixed, and dispersed for 30minutes using a paint shaker, thereby obtaining pigment dispersion pasteNo. 16 with a solids content of 50%.Step 2: 95 parts of pigment dispersion paste No. 16 obtained in step 1(solids content), 10 parts of copolymer resin No. 3 solution obtained inProduction Example 4 (solids content), 50 parts of copolymer resin No. 4solution obtained in Production Example 5 (solids content), 25 parts ofDuranate MF-K60X (*6) (solids content), and 10 parts of CAB-381-20 (*9)(solids content) were homogeneously mixed, and Swasol 1000 was addedthereto to adjust the solids content, thereby obtaining metallic coatingcomposition No. 16 with a coating composition solids content of 0.8 mass%.

Examples 17 to 30: Production of Metallic Coating Compositions Nos. 17to 30

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated except that the formulationsshown in Table 3 below were applied, thereby obtaining metallic coatingcompositions Nos. 17 to 30.

TABLE 3 Table 3 (continued from Table 2) Examples 16 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Metallic Coating Composition No. 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Resin Phosphate Copolymer Formu- Group-Resin No. 1 lation Containing Copolymer Acrylic Resin No. 2 Resin (A)Copolymer 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Resin No. 3 Copolymer 50 50 50Resin No. 4 Copolymer 50 50 50 60 60 60 60 75 75 Resin No. 5 Copolymer50 50 50 Resin No. 6 Polyiso- Duranate MF- 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 2525 25 25 5 15 cyanate K60X (*6) Compound Desmodur BL- (B) 3175 (*7)Melamine Cymel 303 (*8) Resin Cellulose CAB-381-20 (*9) 10 10 10 10 1010 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 5 Resin CAP-482-20 (*10) 10 (C) CAB-551-0.2(*11) Nitro Cellulose DHX30-50 (*12) Ultraviolet Hostavin 3206HP 1 1 1Absorber (E) LIQ (*13) Tinuvin 292 (*14) 1 Light Tinuvin 123 (*15) 1Stabilizer Pigment Phosphate Copolymer 5 5 5 Paste Group- Resin No. 4Formu- Containing Copolymer 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 lation Acrylic Resin No. 5Resin (A) Copolymer 5 5 5 Resin No. 6 Vapor- Metasheen 90 90 90 90 90 9090 90 90 Deposition 71-0010 (*16) Aluminum Metalure 60 60 60 Pigment (D)L55700 (*17) Starbrite 2100- 40 40 40 EAC (*18) Aluminum 6360NS (*19)Pigment MS650 Moonlight- Silver (*20) Swasol 1000 95 95 95 95 95 95 9595 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 Solids Content of Metallic Coating 0.8 0.8 0.80.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Composition (%)Performance Coating S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S Composition Stability(*21) Finished S S S A A A A A A S S S S A A Appearance (*22) Adhesion(After A S S S S S S S S S A S S A A immersion in water) (*23)Weatherability A A A A A A A A A S S S S A A (*24) Specular Gloss at S SS A A A A A A S S S S A A 60° C. (*25) The values in the formulationsare indicated on a solids content basis.

Comparative Example 1: Production of Metallic Coating Composition No. 31

In accordance with steps 1 and 2 described below, metallic coatingcomposition No. 31 was obtained.

Step 1: 5 parts of copolymer resin No. 10 solution obtained inProduction Example 11 (solids content), 90 parts of Metasheen 71-0010(*16) (solids content), and 95 parts of Swasol 1000 were mixed anddispersed for 30 minutes using a paint shaker, thereby obtaining pigmentdispersion paste No. 31 with a solids content of 50%.Step 2: 95 parts of pigment dispersion paste No. 31 obtained in step 1(solids content), 60 parts of copolymer resin No. 7 solution obtained inProduction Example 8 (solids content), 25 parts of Duranate MF-K60X (*6)(solids content), and 10 parts of CAB-381-20 (*9) (solids content) werehomogeneously mixed, and Swasol 1000 was added thereto to adjust thesolids content, thereby obtaining metallic coating composition No. 31with a coating composition solids content of 0.8 mass %.

Comparative Examples 2 to 17: Production of Metallic CoatingCompositions Nos. 32 to 47

The procedure of Comparative Example 1 was repeated except that theformulations shown in Table 4 were applied, thereby obtaining metalliccoating compositions Nos. 32 to 47.

TABLE 4 Comparative Examples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Metallic CoatingComposition No. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Phosphate Copolymer Group-Resin No. 4 Containing Copolymer 70 70 60 60 Acrylic Resin No. 5 Resin(A) Copolymer Resin No. 6 Copolymer 60 Resin No. 7 Copolymer 60 ResinNo. 8 Copolymer 60 Resin No. 9 Hydroxy- Copolymer 60 60 60 ContainingResin No. 10 Resin (E) Polyiso- Duranate MF- 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25cyanate K60X (*6) Compound Desmodur BL- 25 (B) 3175 (*7) Melamine Cymel303 (*8) Resin Cellulose CAB-381-20 (*9) 10 10 10 10 10 10 ResinCAP-482-20 (*10) 10 (C) CAB-551-0.2 10 (*11) Nitro Cellulose DHX30-50(*12) Pigment Phosphate Copolymer 5 5 Paste Group- Resin No. 4 Formu-Containing Copolymer 5 5 lation Acrylic Resin No. 5 Resin (A) CopolymerResin No. 6 Copolymer 5 5 5 5 5 5 Resin No. 10 Vapor- Metasheen 90 90 9090 90 90 90 90 8 100 Deposition 71-0010 (*16) Aluminum Metalure Pigment(D) L55700 (*17) Starbrite 2100- EAC (*18) Aluminum 6360NS (*19) PigmentMS650 Moonlight- Silver (*20) Swasol 1000 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95Solids Content of Metallic Coating 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.80.8 Composition (%) Performance Coating S S S S S S S S S B CompositionStability (*21) Finished S S B B B B B B B B Appearance (*22) Adhesion(After B B B A A C C C A B immersion in water) (*23) Weatherability A AB A A A A A A A (*24) Specular Gloss at B B B B B B B B C S 60° C. (*25)Comparative Examples 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Metallic Coating CompositionNo. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 Phosphate Copolymer 60 Group- Resin No. 4Containing Copolymer 60 60 60 60 60 Acrylic Resin No. 5 Resin (A)Copolymer 60 Resin No. 6 Copolymer Resin No. 7 Copolymer Resin No. 8Copolymer Resin No. 9 Hydroxy- Copolymer Containing Resin No. 10 Resin(E) Polyiso- Duranate MF- 25 25 25 25 cyanate K60X (*6) CompoundDesmodur BL- (B) 3175 (*7) Melamine Cymel 303 (*8) 25 25 25 ResinCellulose CAB-381-20 (*9) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Resin CAP-482-20 (*10)(C) CAB-551-0.2 (*11) Nitro Cellulose DHX30-50 (*12) Pigment PhosphateCopolymer 5 5 5 5 5 Paste Group- Resin No. 4 Formu- Containing Copolymer5 lation Acrylic Resin No. 5 Resin (A) Copolymer 5 Resin No. 6 CopolymerResin No. 10 Vapor- Metasheen 90 90 90 Deposition 71-0010 (*16) AluminumMetalure 8 100 Pigment (D) L55700 (*17) Starbrite 2100- EAC (*18)Aluminum 6360NS (*19) 90 Pigment MS650 Moonlight- 90 Silver (*20) Swasol1000 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 Solids Content of Metallic Coating 0.8 0.8 0.80.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 Composition (%) Performance Coating S B A A S S SComposition Stability (*21) Finished B B C C A A A Appearance (*22)Adhesion (After A B A A B B B immersion in water) (*23) Weatherability AA A A A A A (*24) Specular Gloss at C S C C B B B 60° C. (*25) Thevalues in the formulations are indicated on a solids content basis.(*6) Duranate MF-K60X: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation, a resinsolution of hexamethylene diisocyanate blocked with active methylene,solids content of 60%(*7) Desmodur BL-3175: Sumika Bayer Urethane Co., Ltd., an isocyanuratepolyisocyanate compound solution based on hexamethylene diisocyanate,blocked with methyl ethyl ketoxime, solids content of about 75%(*8) Cymel 303: Daicel-Allnex Ltd., trade name, a methyl-etherifiedmelamine resin(*9) CAB-381-20: Cellulose acetate butyrate, Eastman Chemical Products,Inc., trade name, acetyl group content=13.5%, butyryl group content=37%,number average molecular weight 70,000(*10) CAP-482-20: Cellulose acetate propionate, Eastman ChemicalProducts, Inc., trade name, acetyl group content=2.5%, propionyl groupcontent=46%, number average molecular weight 75,000(*11) CAB-551-0.2: Cellulose acetate butyrate, Eastman ChemicalProducts, Inc., trade name, acetyl group content=2.0%, butyryl groupcontent=52%, number average molecular weight 30,000(*12) Nitro cellulose DHX30-50: Nobel NC Co., Ltd., trade name, nitrocellulose, nitrogen content about 12%, number average molecular weight76,000(*13) Hostavin 3206HP LIQ: Du Pont, trade name, ultraviolet absorber(*14) Tinuvin 292: BASF A.G., trade name, ultraviolet absorber(*15) Tinuvin 123: BASF A.G., trade name, light stabilizer(*16) Metasheen 71-0010: BASF A.G., trade name, vapor-depositionaluminum pigment, mean particle size of 12 μm, thickness of 20 nm(*17) Metalure L55700: Eckart, trade name, vapor-deposition aluminumpigment, mean particle size of 11 μm, thickness of 35 nm(*18) Starbrite 2100-EAC: Silverline, trade name, vapor-depositionaluminum pigment, mean particle size of 10 μm, thickness of 30 nm(*19) 6360NS: Toyo Aluminium K.K., trade name, aluminum pigment, meanparticle size of 10 μm, thickness of 250 nm(*20) MS650 Moonlight-Silver: Toyo Aluminium K.K., trade name, aluminumpigment, mean particle size of 13 μm, thickness of 60 nm.Preparation of Coated Aluminum Wheel

Aluminum wheels that had been subjected to chromium-free conversiontreatment were spray-coated with ALC-100 110RO8 black (Kansai Paint Co.,Ltd., trade name, organic solvent-type acrylic resin coatingcomposition) to a thickness of 30 μm on a dry film basis, and heated at140° C. for 10 minutes.

The metallic coating compositions were individually applied thereon byspraying to a thickness of 0.3 μm on a dry film basis. ALC-2-1K clear(Kansai Paint Co., Ltd., trade name, organic solvent-type acrylic resincoating composition) was then applied thereon to a thickness of 30 μm ona dry film basis, and heated at 140° C. for 20 minutes, therebyobtaining coated aluminum wheels for testing.

The coated aluminum wheels were evaluated in the following tests. Tables2 to 4 show the results.

(*21) Coating Composition Stability

The metallic coating compositions (solids content: 40 mass %) wereindividually placed in a 100-mL glass container, and hermetically sealedand stored at 35° C. for 35 days. Thereafter, the state of eachcomposition was evaluated in accordance with the following criteria.

S indicates that the state remains the same as that before storage, andis excellent.

A indicates that a slight increase in viscosity is observed, but thatstirring for 1 minute or less can regain the original state.

B indicates that an increase in viscosity is observed, and that stirringfor more than 1 minute to 10 minutes or less can regain the originalstate.

C indicates that separation of layers is observed, and that thecomposition cannot be used as a coating composition.

(*22) Finished Appearance

Each test panel was visually observed, and the degree of occurrence ofmetallic mottling was evaluated in accordance with the followingcriteria.

S indicates that almost no metallic mottling is observed, and that thecoating film has an extremely excellent appearance.

A indicates that a slight amount of metallic mottling is observed, butthat the coating film has an excellent appearance.

B indicates that a considerable amount of metallic mottling is observed,and that the coating film has somewhat a poor appearance.

C indicates that a large amount of metallic mottling is observed, andthat the coating film has a poor appearance.

(*23) Adhesion (after Immersion in Water)

Each test panel was immersed in warm water at 40° C. for 240 hours, andwashed with water. A grid of 100 squares (2 mm×2 mm) was made on thecoating films in accordance with JIS K 5600-5-6 (1990). Adhesive tapewas applied to the surface of the grid portion, and abruptly peeled off.Then, the number of squares of the grid remaining on the surface of eachcoating film was evaluated.

S indicates that the number of remaining squares/the total number ofsquares=100/100, with no chipped edges observed.

A indicates that the number of remaining squares/the total number ofsquares=100/100, with chipped edges observed.

B indicates that the number of remaining squares/the total number ofsquares=99 to 90/100.

C indicates that the number of remaining squares/the total number ofsquares=89 or less/100.

(*24) Weatherability

In this accelerated weathering test, the Super Xenon Weather Meter(trade name, Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.) specified in JIS B 7754was used. The test panels were irradiated with a xenon arc lamp for 1hour and 42 minutes, and then exposed to rainfall for 18 minutes. This2-hour session was determined to be 1 cycle, and each test panel wassubjected to 500 cycles of this repeating test. After completion of thetest, the test panels were compared with spare panels stored in alaboratory (original panels), and evaluated.

S indicates that no defect is observed on the surface of the coatingfilm, and that the color difference LE according to JIS Z 8730 betweenthe original panel and the panel subjected to the test is less than 1.0.

A indicates that slight color change into yellow is observed on thecoating film, but that there is no occurrence of cracking, with thecolor difference LE according to JIS Z 8730 between the original paneland the panel subjected to the test being 1.0 or more and less than 2.0;there is no problem as a product.B indicates that color change into yellow is observed on the coatingfilm, but that there is no occurrence of cracking, with the colordifference LE according to JIS Z 8730 between the original panel and thepanel subjected to the test being 2.0 or more and less than 3.0.C indicates that color change into yellow is observed on the coatingfilm, and that the color difference LE according to JIS Z 8730 betweenthe original panel and the panel subjected to the test is 3.0 or more;or that there is cracking on the coating film.(*25) Specular Gloss at 60° C.

Specular gloss at 60° C. was measured in accordance with JIS K5600-4-7.A gloss meter (VG-2000) produced by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.was used for the measurement. Evaluation was performed in accordancewith the following criteria.

S indicates that the specular gloss is 220 or more.

A indicates that the specular gloss is 200 or more and less than 220.

B indicates that the specular gloss is 170 or more and less than 200.

C indicates that the specular gloss is less than 170.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention can provide a metallic coating composition excellent incoating composition stability and capable of forming a coating filmexcellent in finished appearance, adhesion, weatherability, and speculargloss.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A metallic coating composition comprising:a binder component comprising a phosphate group-containing acrylic resin(A), a polyisocyanate compound (B), and a cellulose resin (C); and avapor-deposition aluminum pigment (D), the vapor-deposition aluminumpigment (D) being present in an amount of 65 to 92 parts by mass per 100parts by mass of the total solids content of the binder component, andthe phosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A) being a copolymer resinof a monomer mixture consisting of 3 to 48 mass % of a phosphategroup-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a1), 6 to 45 mass %of a hydroxy-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a2), and 10to 91 mass % of other polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a3), based onthe total amount of all of the monomers, wherein the vapor-depositionaluminum pigment (D) is an aluminum flake having a mean particle size of1 to 50 μm and a thickness of 0.01 μm to 0.05 μm, wherein the metalliccoating composition is an organic solvent based coating composition. 2.The metallic coating composition according to claim 1, wherein thephosphate group-containing acrylic resin (A) is present in an amount of50 to 90 parts by mass, the polyisocyanate compound (B) is present in anamount of 5 to 40 parts by mass, and the cellulose resin (C) is presentin an amount of 1 to 20 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of thetotal solids content of the binder component.
 3. The metallic coatingcomposition according to claim 1, further comprising an ultravioletabsorber (E) in an amount of 0.1 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts bymass of the total solids content of the binder component.
 4. Themetallic coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the solidscontent of the metallic coating composition is 0.1 to 2 mass %.
 5. Amethod for forming a coating film comprising: forming a base coatingfilm on an aluminum substrate; forming a metallic coating film of themetallic coating composition according to claim 1 on the base coatingfilm; and forming at least one layer of a clear coating film on themetallic coating film.
 6. An aluminum wheel obtained by the method forforming a coating film according to claim 5.